Doing what can’t be done

OPTIMISM was the key for the creation of the newly-unveiled Cebu City Beach Volleyball Court in Fort San Pedro grounds yesterday.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Ricardo “Ritchie” Garcia thought at first that putting up a sand court in the middle of Cebu City’s historical waterfront could not be done. But given his faith in the leadership of Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) chairman Edward Hayco and the all-out support of Mayor Mike Rama, he agreed to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Cebu City Government for the building of a sand court, which was funded partly from his discretionary funds.

“At first I thought it can’t be done. But I trust the Cebuanos and with the support of Mayor Rama to the Cebu City Sports Commission, we put this project into creation and here it is. I believe in Cebu because you can do wonders. There will be more projects coming because I want to make Cebu the center of sports in the country because of your passion,” Garcia said in his speech during the ribbon-cutting and inauguration rites yesterday.

Rama stressed that the completion and the opening of the new beach volleyball court is significant since the city is celebrating its 76th Charter Day.

“It has to be here and it must be here. If you will clearly remember, this area used to be a beach. This was the historic place where the Spaniards set foot in the country, making us the cradle of Christianity in the region. I congratulate the Cebu City Sports Commission and my thanks to those who helped make this project a reality,” Rama said.

Garcia also lauded the CCSC for its determination.

Garcia, Rama and Hayco were joined by the chairman of the Cebu City Parks and Playgrounds Commission Dr. Librado Macaray Jr., benefactors Winston Limquiaco, Andrew Choachuy, James Tan and CCSC Commissioners Ryan Aznar, Bernard Ricablanca and executive director Brando Velasquez in unveiling the court, which will be also known as the PSC National Beach Volleyball Training Center.

American beach volleyball coach Eric Lecain, who was responsible not only for the training but as well as finding sand, said they extracted the white sand from Siquijor then shipped it to Cebu with the help of Siquijor Gov. Orlando Shane Pua.

The court is already in use with the King of the Court tournament, which concluded yesterday. An Under-17 tournament is also being shaped, while the first ever Under-13 competition will also be coming soon.